What Is A Chronic Illness?

Chronic illnesses are long-term conditions that have no cure and require life-long treatment. Having a chronic illness can feel like having the flu or a cold, except it can last for years. While most chronic illnesses can go into remission (where there are no symptoms), they can recur at any time. Unlike acute illnesses which usually have visible signs, chronic conditions are often invisible, and suffers can look healthy and happy even though they are experiencing pain, fatigue and other symptoms. There are many chronic illnesses, ranging from autoimmune (where the immune system attacks the body) to mental illnesses. Chronic illness affects many South Africans. Below is a list of the ten most commonly diagnosed chronic illnesses among South Africans:

Hypertension

High cholesterol

Type II Diabetes

HIV/AIDS

Asthma

Hypothyroidism

Coronary heart disease

Heart disease

Epilepsy

Bipolar mood disorders

Challenges Associated With Living With Chronic Illness

Autoimmune chronic illnesses such as asthma, type 1 diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis can severely impact your ability to live a “normal” life. Common symptoms of autoimmune illnesses include chronic fatigue, severe pain and decreased mobility. These symptoms may leave you unable to socialise with friends, hold a full-time job, or do activities you once enjoyed. These new limitations on your life may result in social isolation, which puts you at an increased risk of mood disorders like depression. Those suffering from “lifestyle” diseases such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension or heart disease must face the challenge of decreased health and social stigma. Because lifestyle diseases are often (but not always) triggered by the way you choose to live your life. This means that people are often blamed for contracting their disease and can receive less support from their friends and family, and in some cases, doctors.

Finding Your New Normal

Adjusting to life with a chronic illness is difficult. Your life will change, but with support from your friends, family and doctors you will be able to find your new normal. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. You may be unable to do activities you enjoy, but this will also give you an opportunity to find new hobbies, and in some cases, a new career. If you have a chronic illness, lifestyle changes will help you manage your symptoms. It’s important to find the right diet for your body and an exercise programme that will improve your quality of life. As someone with a chronic illness, you will likely visit your doctor more often than most, so it’s vital that you find a doctor you trust and who understands your unique challenges. Credits: Photo by Andrew Ly on Unsplash. Information: https://au.reachout.com/articles/living-with-a-chronic-illnesshttps://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/4062-chronic-illness